Two people missing after helicopter crashes near Apollo Beach

APOLLO BEACH -- Two people are missing after a helicopter has crashed in Tampa Bay off Apollo Beach.

Officials have confirmed that a helicopter crashed into the water about 300-400 yards off shore, just southwest of Beer Can Island.

The initial call about the crash came in shortly after 3 p.m. Friday. Witnesses called 911 after seeing the helicopter plunge into the water.

One of the witnesses said he had just picked up his daughter from school when he heard a noise and turned to see the top propeller of the helicopter come off. He said the helicopter then plummeted into the water.

Early reports indicated one person had died, but those have since been retracted.

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